About Us

Cassaundra is the dynamic President of the USBG Cleveland chapter as of 2025, has been reelected for the 2026 term, and serves as a representative for the Midwest region to the National Council of Chapters (NCC),  having been an active member since 2016. With a decade of experience in the beverage industry, she has excelled in various roles, including bartender, bar manager, beverage director, and general manager. Since 2022, she has been a dedicated member of the USBG Cleveland board, previously serving as Vice President. Currently, she works at The Witch Doctor, an apothecary style bar located in Old Brooklyn.

Cassaundra's commitment to professional development in the hospitality industry is evident through her participation in prestigious programs. She was part of Team Taco at the San Antonio Cocktail Conference in 2020, where she collaborated with international hospitality professionals to enhance leadership and event execution skills. Additionally, she was selected as a Thirst Scholar at Thirst Boston in 2020, receiving hands-on training in event production and spirits education. Her involvement in the Portland Cocktail Week's Applied Science Program in 2019 further solidified her expertise in innovative cocktail techniques.

Her journey also includes prestigious mentorships, such as the Cocktail Apprentice Program at Tales of the Cocktail in 2019 and immersive experiences at Tiki By the Sea in 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025. Cassaundra has consistently sought opportunities to elevate her skills, completing various certifications, including TIPS, ServSafe, WSET and a Diploma in Single Malt Whisky.

With her passion for the industry and dedication to fostering growth within the community, Cassaundra continues to make a significant impact on the beverage landscape in Cleveland and beyond.

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Shawn joined the USBG as an enthusiast member in 2021. He has served as USBG Cleveland's Treasurer and as a member on the board of directors since 2023 and has been reelected to serve another 3 year term. In his professional life, Shawn works as a Supplier Quality Engineer in the metals industry. He is also a musician. Shawn joined the USBG to deepen his knowledge of the bar craft. He has since applied his bar education by creating cocktails for his bandmates (and sometimes pushing them out of their comfort zone). As a board member and the chapter's Treasurer, Shawn's primary objective is to ensure the financial stability of the Cleveland chapter, thereby providing valuable opportunities for all USBG Cleveland members. 

Stephaine joined the United States Bartenders’ Guild in 2019 as an enthusiast, eager to learn, connect, and contribute to the hospitality community. Since becoming a member, they have played an active role in chapter initiatives, including serving on the planning team for the annual Bartender’s Getaway on Put‑in‑Bay. Their involvement has extended to assisting with chapter meetings, supporting event operations, and representing the organization on an international scale as part of Team USBG—experiences that have strengthened their commitment to education, community building, and professional growth within the industry.

Outside of her volunteer leadership, Stephanie works with Pope’s Kitchen/Pope’s Cocktails, where they manage front‑of‑house operations for catering events. In this role, they ensure smooth service, guest satisfaction, and the seamless execution of events that showcase the company’s craft cocktail offerings. In addition to her hospitality work, Stephanie brings a strong background in healthcare as a nurse, working part‑time in a physician’s office. Their dual careers reflect a unique blend of service, care, and operational expertise that they carry into every community they support.

Nancy joined the USBG in 2016 as a cocktail enthusiast. She previously served as a representative for the Midwest region to the National Council of Chapters (NCC), chairs the USBG Cleveland board of directors and previously served as Chapter President from 2021 to 2023. Following a 40-year career as an Quality Engineering  professional, Nancy gained bar industry experience while working as a host at Topgolf Cleveland from 2020 to 2024, and working for Happy Camper Bar Car. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the USBG at both the national and local levels, Nancy received USBG's Member of the Year award in 2024. This prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization. Nancy exemplifies excellence through her dedication, hard work, and positive impact.

Jessica has over a decade of experience in the service industry. She had been the former general manager of Tiki Underground in Cuyahoga Falls since 2021 and is now working for Towpath spirits. Jessica joined the USBG in 2021 and has formally served as USBG Cleveland's Secretary in 2025. She joined the chapter's board of directors in 2025. 

Andy is an engineer by day and an Enthusiast by night. He has been a USBG member since 2020 and has traveled to support Team USA in 3 international bartending competitions. He looks forward to working with the Board to help Cleveland shine both nationally and internationally.

Sean joined the USBG in 2022 and has a decade of experience working in the hospitality industry. He previously worked as a bartender at Porco Lounge and Tiki Room from 2019 to 2023. After stepping away from the bar industry to pursue a law degree, Sean remains committed to making a positive impact through advocacy. He has served on USBG Cleveland's board of directors since 2024.

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Clark was elected for National Board Director in 2026. Former USBG Cleveland's Vice President in 2025. He joined the USBG as an associate member in 2016, becoming active with the fundraising committee and education. Clark has served on the chapter's board of directors since 2020 and has previously been Vice President. Clark is the owner and founder of Pope's Kitchen and Pope's Cocktails, which produce a range of products including hot sauces, BBQ sauce, seasonings, cocktail mixers, and syrups, along with the ready-to-drink cocktails. Pope's Cocktails is a pioneer of cocktails-in-a-pouch. All of these products are crafted with the purest ingredients and free from artificial colors and flavorings. In the evenings, you can find Clark working at Society Lounge in downtown Cleveland or bartending at pop-ups around the city when not enjoying Cleveland's thriving theater scene with his lovely wife, Sarah.